Darko Churlinov and North Macedonia secure play-off spot

Darko Churlinov and North Macedonia still have a chance of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, after securing a spot in the play-offs thanks to a 3-1 win against Iceland. The Royal Blue winger was named in the starting XI and was subbed off in the 63rd minute.

Länderspiele

15.11.21, 09:07

Darko Churlinov

Shortly before the break, Churlinov thought he’d scored for his side, before VAR stepped in to disallow it due to an offside call. North Macedonia took an early lead in the seventh minute through Ezgjan Alioski (Al-Ahli), before Elif Elmas (Napoli) netted a brace in the second half (65’, 87’), cancelling out Iceland’s Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson equaliser in the 54th minute.

With the win, North Macedonia finished second in Group J behind Germany. They will now contest the play-offs, which will feature the 10 second-placed sides from qualifying, as well as the two best-placed group winners from the Nations League.

Idrizi draws against Greece

Blendi Idrizi was also in action on the final day of qualifiers, drawing 1-1 against Greece with Kosovo. Neither side had any chance of reaching next year’s tournament anymore. Girogos Masouras (Olympiakos) put the hosts in front just before the break in Athens, before Amir Rrahmani (Napoli) netted the equaliser in the 76th minute. Idrizi started and was then taken off in the 86th minute.

Seite teilen